Nlc talks tough new minimum wage
You're referring to the National Living Wage (NLW) in the UK!
Yes, the NLW is a mandatory minimum wage rate set by the UK government, which applies to workers aged 23 and over. The rate is designed to ensure that all workers earn a decent living wage, and it's intended to help reduce poverty and income inequality.
As of April 2022, the NLW is £9.50 per hour, which is an increase from the previous rate of £9.21 per hour. This means that workers aged 23 and over who are not in the first year of an apprenticeship are entitled to at least £9.50 per hour.
The NLW is enforced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), which checks employers' records to ensure they are paying their employees the correct minimum wage. Employers who fail to comply with the NLW can face penalties, including fines and even prosecution.
It's worth noting that there are different minimum wage rates for workers under the age of 23, as well as for apprentices and those in the first year of an apprenticeship. These rates are:
- National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 21-22-year-olds: £9.18 per hour
- NMW for 18-20-year-olds: £6.83 per hour
- NMW for 16-17-year-olds: £4.81 per hour
- Apprentice rate: £4.81 per hour
The NLW is an important step towards ensuring that all workers in the UK are paid a fair and decent wage, and it's a key part of the government's efforts to tackle poverty and income inequality.